I’m always amazed by how little time it takes for a watermelon to grow from a tiny little fruit to full size-melon. They grow so fast that every morning the melons are visually bigger than the day before. The moment of truth comes at harvest time. I always get a little nervous when deciding when … Continue Reading →
Learn everything you need to know about wet felting, needle felting and nuno felting, all in one amazing book — “The Complete Guide to Felting” (Creative Publishing International www.creativepub.com, $24.95). This rather hefty book by Ruth Lane will take you on a felting journey of projects that introduce you to the different forms, and each is … Continue Reading →
If you’re not a sewer, but often find yourself needing to mend a garment or two, then “Mend It Better, Creative Patching, Darning and Stitching” (Storey.com/$18.95) will help make those repairs much easier. Simple step-by-step instructions and basic sewing skills are all you need. Written by Ames, Iowa resident Kristin M. Roach, creator of the website … Continue Reading →
The Pomegranate Guild of Southeastern Michigan, “a group that studies and creates Judaic needlework,” will hold its next meeting Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Spicer House in Heritage Park. The group’s project for the day will be making “Little Dresses for Africa.” Those planning to attend are asked to bring a pillowcase, 1/-inch … Continue Reading →
A couple of weeks ago I spotted a familiar looking moth on a tree in the yard. It took me a couple of seconds to realize it was a female gypsy moth. That gypsy moth was in the middle of laying its eggs. I could have destroyed it right there and then but decided against it. I thought maybe … Continue Reading →
The Great Lakes African American Quilters’ Network (GLAAQN) presents “Quilts: where Our Legacy Lives” Oct. 6 and 7 at the Livonia Civic Park Senior Center. Highlights include more than 100 quilts, Griot storytelling, special exhibits, new quilters, vintage quilts, Hall of Fame Quilts, Special Projects Quilts, Walking Fashion Show, Make and Takes, door prizes, vendors and food. … Continue Reading →
Sewers, it’s time to gear up your sewing machines for the upcoming American Sewing Expo at Suburban Collection Showplace where you’ll find an amazing assortment of sewing notions, textiles, tools and SEW much more! (This just in) “Beginner to expert sewers and crafters will find fashion shows, classes and shopping,” said Janet Pray, show producer … Continue Reading →
Halloween is just around the corner, and if you plan to make your decorations but could use a few new and fun ideas, then check out Stephen Brown’s book, “Glitterville’s Handmade Halloween, A Glittered Guide For Whimsical Crafting,” ($19.99/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC). You and your favorite little one(s) will have tons of fun making things … Continue Reading →
One big advantage to having your own vegetable garden is being able to pick what ever varieties you want to grow. For example, in my garden I always grow at least one ‘Matt’s Wild Cherry Tomato’ plant. This plant produces dozens of tiny tomatoes that are about the size of a blueberry. These little, red pearls are … Continue Reading →
Intermediate to advanced knitters and crocheters will love selecting patterns to create from “Patchwork Knitting: 18 Projects to Knit and Crochet,” (Schiffer/$19.99) by Johanna Schwarz. The patterns instruct readers to knit different size squares and rectangles of fabric that are then pieced together with crocheted stitches to create a garment or accessory with the look of ”patchwork.” Some of the multi-colored pieces … Continue Reading →